Internet Module 2

Internet

BBS

Bulletin Board Services

The What ...

It could be said that the Bulletin Board was the start of Internet as we know it today. Although severely limited in its range and capabilities, the Bulletin Board Service (BBS) provided users with a means of keeping in touch with each other using the computer as the primary communication tool. The BBS is literally a notice board for computer users with similar interests.

The How ...

A BBS still uses the basics of computer communication - a modem. There is still no more efficient way of connecting two computers. (Some computers, such as APPLE computers, use an internal language protocol that enables them to speak directly to each other via a data cable, but this is still not common among most computers).

The big difference between a BBS and the Internet, is that the BBS is a closed loop. With very few exceptions, when you dial into a BBS, you connect to a single computer, and access only what's on that computer. (The exceptions are a few BBS's that are registered Internet Service Providers in there own right, and so can provide direct Internet access for users. This is very rare, as the cost of setting up an ISP is large, and most BBS do not have the money involved).

The BBS is a computer that you can call direct. The BBS will have information, pictures, applications or games that the user wants, and because the connection is direct, will be speed limited to the speed of the modem.

The BBS may charge for access, and may issue a password to the user. The user may also have access limited to certain areas on the BBS, or may only have access for a limited time, or at a particular time of the day. The nature of the BBS tends to be very specific, such as Computer User Groups, Game groups, or common interest groups. Most BBS also tend to be run by private individuals, so when you connect you are using private equipment, and looking into somebody's private computer.

Please report errors, omissions, problems or comments to statham@eis.net.au